Focus turns to 2017 for special coastal image

Janet Hall

Even before this year’s tourism season gets into full swing, focus has turned to 2017.

We have teamed up with the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership to hold a photographic competition this summer to find an image for the cover of its 2017 Visitor Guide.

The winner will not only have their image on the front cover of 50,000 Northumberland Coast visitor guides but will also receive £150 to spend at Stait Photo in Morpeth.

Runners-up will receive canvas prints of their image from Stait Photo.

Photos submitted can be of virtually anything, but to be eligible, the photo must have been taken within the Northumberland Coast AONB in 2016. The closing date for entries is October 3, 2016.

Paul Larkin, editor of the Johnston Press Northumberland titles, Northumberland Gazette, Berwick Advertiser, Morpeth Herald and News Post Leader, which are all backing the competition, and helping with the judging, said: “We are proud to continue our association with this competition and are looking forward to seeing this year’s entries. We find that beautiful images generate enormous interest on social media and we encourage all photographers to get out, explore the coast and keep an eye open for that perfect picture.”

Jane Coltman, image manager for JP’s Northumberland titles, said: “I’m excited to be involved in the judging process for the competition. I was impressed by the range and quality of images submitted last year and I can’t wait to see the fantastic photos that I know will be submitted from people who, like me, love the Northumberland coast. “

The image on the front of the current Visitor Guide was taken by Emma Rothera, a photographer who lives and works on Holy Island.

Ken Stait, who runs Stait Photo in Morpeth and Hexham, is sponsoring the competition and is also a judge, said: “We had quite a few sunrise photos to judge last year, but the simplicity and serenity of this photograph set it apart. We are delighted to be involved in this year’s competition.”

Images need to be submitted in an electronic format and be of a high enough resolution to be used on the cover of the guide.